In this Issue
Bible Basics
Romancing the Word
Clifford Yeary, Always a Learner
The Word Alive in Our Midst
Recommended Reading
From the Director
Good News Briefs
The Scenic Route |
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GOOD NEWS BRIEFS
This issue of Stepping Stones will introduce a new section entitled,The Word Alive in Our Midst. We hope to include very brief stories (200 words or less) or perhaps just a picture with a caption to show how studying the Scripture has helped our readers to connect the Word to their daily lives. If you have a short anecdote to share please send it to: Susan McCarthy, RDC, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217; (501) 366-5691 or (501) 664-6102; by email: smccarthy@dolr.org.
LRSS writers, Cackie Upchurch and Clifford M. Yeary, are providing a 13-part series of articles to the readers of the Arkansas Catholic. “Hearing the Good News” explores various aspects of reading and understanding the Gospels. These articles, along with brief reflection questions, are available free for your use with small groups or for parish-wide distribution. Seven are currently available,
with more to follow.
A Year of Sundays 2011/Un año de domingos 2011 are now available. Join the thousands of people who use this small book to connect their lives to the Sunday Gospel. Each book, in a larger, easier to read format sells for $2.00 a copy ($.99 for purchase of over thirty copies). For an e-book version that can be purchased ($1.00) or downloaded to your computers or hand-held devices, visit www.litpress.org
"God’s people have always been sojourners, pilgrims on a journey..." This new 5-week study from LRSS’ , Pilgrim People, will assist you in exploring this journey. All study materials are now available.
A brand new version of Galatians and Romans will be available in December 2010. The commentary has been written by Brendan Byrne, SJ, with study guide written by Catherine (Cackie) Upchurch and Clifford M. Yeary. This 14-week study explores the heart of Pauline theology and can be easily split into a 5-week study of Galatians and a 9-week study of Romans. Recorded lectures are provided by John Hall, Dan Hennessey, Judy Hoelzeman, Cackie Upchurch, Linda Webster, Karen Wenzel, and Clifford Yeary.
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The Scenic Route
Informational and Enrichment Workshops offer clear information, hands-on experience, and practical tips for establishing and growing Bible study using LRSS materials and methods. For very little expense, a diocese can arrange to host a workshop that will benefit parishes throughout the diocese. For more information, contact: Susan McCarthy, RDC, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217; (501) 664-6102 or (501) 366-5691; or by email at smccarthy@dolr.org.
Exhibits:
March 18-20, 2011
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
Anaheim, CA
May 22-26, 2010
National Conference for Catechetical Leadership
Atlanta, GA
Workshops:
April 30, 2011
Informational Workshop
Hartford, CT
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Little Rock
Scripture Study
A ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock in partnership with Liturgical Press
Direct editorial questions or ideas to:
Susan McCarthy, RDC
LRSS Office
P.O. Box 7565
Little Rock, AR 72217
www.littlerockscripture.org
Editor: Susan McCarthy, RDC
Managing Editors: Brian Eisenschenk, Deb Lampert-Pflueger
Contributors: Susan McCarthy, RDC, Cackie Upchurch, Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, Clifford M. Yeary
Translators: Maria Teresa de Bourbon, RDC, Rosa Maria Icaza, CCVI
The material in this newsletter may be reproduced only with the consent of Little Rock Scripture Study. |
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Bible Basics
Faithful Scholars use Modern Tools to Interpret Scripture
Clifford M. Yeary
You are probably well aware that Little Rock Scripture Study materials come in what is called a Study Set. Each Study Set includes a commentary on a book or theme of Sacred Scripture as well as a Study Guide for use with the commentary. The study guide contains daily questions which follow the designated reading from the commentary.
The commentary typically includes the New American Bible translation of a section of Sacred Scripture that is the central focus of the daily reading. Bible commentaries are interpretations of Sacred Scripture. Their intent is to break open Scripture so that its meaning can fill our lives with meaning. They are published by Liturgical Press, owned by the Benedictine monks of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Every commentary used in our Study Sets is the fruit of Catholic scholarship. The interpretation of Sacred Scripture by Catholic scholars is a serious and faithful endeavor. Catholic scholars are assisted by several key documents in recent church history which guide the faithful interpretation of Sacred Scripture.
Early in the modern era, many scientific theories seemed to upset traditional Christian understandings of the nature of the cosmos and the emergence of life on earth. At that time there was a deep suspicion of many scholarly approaches to historical matters, including scholarly investigations of the Bible. There was a concern that some of the modern methods of interpreting Scripture would be used to challenge official dogmatic teachings. Eventually, however, it became evident that these newer approaches could be used as valuable tools in rediscovering the historical setting and implications of the sacred message.
First formed in 1902 by Pope Leo XIII, today there are twenty prominent Catholic biblical scholars who form the Pontifical Biblical Commission (PBC). It is an official consultative body to the Vatican Office of the Doctrine of the Faith. In 1993, the PBC issued The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, a document whose preface was written by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. This very important document does not dictate the interpretation scholars are to apply to Scripture; instead, it identifies the broad parameters from within which a faithful Catholic scholar should operate, while identifying the value of the numerous approaches to Sacred Scripture that have grown and developed over the years.
When read in conjunction with Pope Pius XII’s Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943) and the official decree of Vatican II on Sacred Scripture known as Dei Verbum, it is evident that Catholic biblical scholarship has been given a solid foundation for approaching the interpretation of Scripture with the best of modern, investigative tools. (See Cackie Upchurch’s Recommended Reading article in this same issue of Stepping Stones for links to downloadable copies of these very important documents.)
Among these interpretive tools, none has proved more valuable than the historical-critical method, which seeks to interpret Scripture by thoroughly investigating the historical circumstances and cultural setting of biblical texts. There are many other tools available to Catholic scholars which can assist them in faithfully interpreting Scripture, but the endeavor to know the setting and circumstances in which the sacred authors wrote and in which the people of God at the time heard their words proclaimed, is certainly of key importance.
These guidelines actually allow for a broad range of interpretations. Catholic scholars can use a variety of tools to arrive at different interpretations of Scripture, all of which can be called faithful. This can leave those wanting an official sounding, set-in-stone interpretation that every scholar will adhere to, feeling a bit mystified. But the truth is, our encounters with God’s word should leave us pondering the message. The nearer we get to encountering Scripture in its historical context, however, the more confident we can become in finding ways to apply God’s living word to our own lives and situations.
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 Romancing The Word
Let us be living bread for others
A Reflection on John 6:22-35
Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB
"…you are looking for me not because you saw signs,
but because you ate the loaves and were filled. John 6:26
In this excerpt from the Bread of Life discourse Jesus is speaking to some of the people who had witnessed the multiplication of the loaves.
Now they are seeking him out and Jesus candidly suggests that their seeking is for the wrong reason. When we use these thoughts for our personal prayer, it is easy to identify with them. It is possible for us to search out God for the wrong reasons: to prove a point, just for personal consolation, only for answers to prayer, or to look good socially. We can pray with words that were written for people over 2,000 years ago and find ourselves right there in the passage. These ancient words are still new. This is the beauty of the Lectio Divina process. A deliberate, careful listening to the Word of God is almost always revelatory. It is an enriching way of being taught by God.
“He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” John 6:31
When these half-hearted disciples ask for a sign in order to believe, they allude to the fact that Moses gave manna to their ancestors in the desert. Jesus explains that it is his Father who gives them the true bread from heaven. The bread that is spoken of here is the revelation of Jesus in their midst. The “work of God” is to believe in the One sent from heaven. We, too, on a daily basis must practice believing in the one sent from heaven. The theme of the “bread of life” evokes both the bread of the wilderness and the bread of the Eucharist.
Prayerfully, let’s return to the manna the Hebrew people received in the desert (Ex 16:3-4). Although they desired to be free from the slavery of Egypt, they were not prepared for the harsh reality of their desert journey. The hunger they experienced ignited the nagging voices within; they complained bitterly, going so far as to imply that it would have been better had they died in Egypt where at least they had their fill of bread. In Egypt they knew what to expect. This new road, although offering hope for freedom, becomes also a path of unpleasant surprises.
The manna they were given was most likely something already in their reach, something from nature that God had previously reserved for them. They needed only to open their eyes and see it. In their case, however, they had to have it pointed out. As we pray with the Bread of Life discourse perhaps we can discover a kinship with those desert dwellers. Most likely, the murmuring voice of the Hebrew people resides in each of us. We, too, cry out for manna—a manna that is often in our reach yet unrecognized.
So let’s pray about this. How might we help one another along the way instead of complaining? What is the manna within our reach? What kind of manna might we hand out to the ones we serve? I am thinking of the manna of compassion and gentleness, the manna of presence and joy, the manna of hope, the manna of patience and forgiveness. All of this is food for the hungry soul. This kind of bread is in our reach though not easily recognized. In your prayer today add to this list. Reflect on ways you can ease the physical, spiritual and emotional hungers of those you serve.
The manna the people ate in the wilderness is a symbol of the life-giving power God has revealed to us in the person of Jesus. Later in this chapter (John 6: 51) we will see Jesus, the bread of life, further symbolized as the eternal life we receive in the Christian Eucharist.
On our respective daily desert journeys, of course, we have to work for “food that perishes.” However, as John stresses in this gospel, we are to place greatest emphasis on the “food that endures for eternal life.”
Jesus is referring to the living bread of himself. It is because of our intimate connection to Jesus that we also claim the privilege and potential of being living bread for others.
Perhaps we can double our efforts to be this bread-of-life for others in these troubling times when our world is so full of sorrow. Countless people are unemployed and homeless. The tragic reality of increasing wars and violence continues to confront us. Each day there are new voices crying out for bread. Are we available? Are we ready to be given?
Jesus, I am a vessel that holds the bread of your life. I am the yeast, the rising. I am the aroma, the flavor. I am the baking and the breaking of the bread. I am nourishment. I am one who yearns, yet fears, to be your bread: blessed, broken, and given. Take me; use me to be your living bread.
Your next word to romance is: Jeremiah 31:31-40
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Clifford Yeary, Always a Learner
This article is another in a series on the lives and work of those on the LRSS staff.
Our newest LRSS commentary, Pilgrim People, was written by staff member Clifford Yeary. Cliff assumed the job of associate editor of LRSS in the summer of 2002. He and his wife Liz moved with their daughter, Claire, to Little Rock from Cliff’s home state of Idaho. (Their other two adult children, James and Katherine, live in Oregon and New York respectively). If encouraged just a bit, Cliff would enjoy telling a story or two about growing up alongside the Mormon culture dominant in Idaho and the surrounding area.
Writing is one of Cliff’s great interests. LRSS Director Cackie Upchurch says of him, “Cliff is like a kid in a candy shop when he gets to research a biblical topic in preparation for writing a study guide or lecture, or even his first commentary, Pilgrim People. He enjoys the entire experience and manages to digest so much wonderful scholarship. The great part is that he doesn’t keep it to himself but shares it all with us. He brings a wonderful professionalism to this ministry, as well as a great sense of joy to be part of something so important.”
Besides his own writing, Cliff helps edit the writings and lectures of others. He is responsible for the content of the recorded lectures provided with each new study. In this task he works alongside LRSS staff member, Lilly Hess, who says of him, “I am amazed that Cliff manages to have so much knowledge stored in his brain cells. He is a walking encyclopedia! Anytime I have a question about anything, Cliff can usually give me an answer. He has a deep love for Scripture and delights in learning more about God’s Word and sharing that love with others.”
Cliff is also the person we turn to when we need help with computer issues, especially updating our power point presentations. Cliff and I also keep each other posted on our favorite baseball teams. In a recent e-mail to all the staff, he alerted us to the recent Sports Illustrated cover featuring the football team of Boise State University.
Prior to joining our staff, Cliff served as a parish Director of Religious Education, which has proven very helpful in the way he approaches this work. He has a sense of what parish life is like, what adults are looking for, and how to make some of that happen.
His previous experience as a facilitator for the LIMEX program (Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension program) provided him with opportunities to come in contact with a variety of ideas and to appreciate the adult formation process.
In the last year, newsletter readers have been enriched by the ‘Bible Basics’ articles Cliff has written for us.
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The Word Alive in Our Midst
As mentioned in our Good News Briefs section, we are beginning this new column which will, on occasion, include very short stories or perhaps just a picture which shows how studying the Scripture has helped readers connect the Word to their daily lives. You are invited to contribute such stories from your small group.
Will and Angela Nordmeyer have been part of a Little Rock Scripture Study group at Incarnation parish in Centerville, Ohio, since 2003.
In January, 2007 they experienced the The Word Alive in Our Midst when Angela, sixteen weeks pregnant, went for an ultrasound exam. The results showed that the baby was a boy with a hole in his heart and fluid on his chest - both signs of potential serious complications, and also signs of potential Down's syndrome.
When they gathered with other participants at their Bible study session that evening they intended to ask the group for prayer. They discovered that they had in the group 2 Neonatal ICU nurses (1 retired, 1 active) and a high risk OB-GYN.
Will wrote, "We were just amazed at how God moved in our lives to place JUST the sort of people we would need for encouragement and support, as well as our normal 'support' network at Bible Study."
Visiting the cardiologist one month later, the scans showed no hole, no fluid. Today, their son, James Thomas, is three years old and is healthy and active.
For Will and Angela "God was at work in our lives and our Scripture study."
An e-mail from Nancy Lauzon, St. Patrick's Parish, Stayner Ontario and St. Noel Chabanel Parish, Wasaga Beach Ontario:
"…[W]e just finished our Scripture study on the Passion and Resurrection Narratives. It is hard to explain our feelings in words. With Easter coming up in a few weeks, studying these narratives has enriched this Lenten season for all of us! We had close to 40 people who attended this first session. We didn't order enough books (only 30), but people were willing to share and make the best of everything. We designed an evaluation and got some great feedback, for example: "I am particularly pleased and grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this excellent program. It 'nourished' my soul and mind. It brought a greater knowledge and understanding of the many issues discussed in the groups and reinforced in the videos. Thank you."
We are meeting with Father Darrin Corkum, our Pastor, to decide where to go from here. Participants said they were hungry for more and wanted to study the Acts of the Apostles. I think Luke connects to Acts so often, people want to study that Scripture next to learn more.
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Recommended Reading
Building an Understanding of the Catholic Approach to Scripture
Cackie Upchurch
In the past year or so I’ve found myself regularly being asked to speak about how Catholics are to understand Scripture, what its value is in our liturgical life and in our personal lives, and what methodologies are preferred. I’ve been revisiting some of the foundational teachings of our church on these topics and hope that many of you will do the same.
To follow up on Clifford Yeary’s article in this same issue of Stepping Stones, I encourage our LRSS users to actually read key Scripture documents themselves, easily accessible online at the Vatican website (www.vatican.va), or on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb.org).
In addition, I’d like to recommend one very readable book that can help to raise our appreciation for Dei Verbum.
 In 2006, Paulist Press put together an eight-book series commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Each volume is very readable and written by respected experts in the various fields such as ecumenism, ecclesiology, liturgy, religious life, etc. Reading the volume entitled: Scripture, Dei Verbum by Ronald D. Witherup, SS, is one of the best ways I know of to appreciate the impact of this document on the life of the Catholic Church in our time.
There are four major parts of the book, the first of which provides historical background to the creation of the document. The second part explains the major points of the document. In this section, the chart comparing teachings on revelation from Trent, Vatican I, and Vatican II is most helpful. The third part of the book focuses on implementation by examining scholarly responses, the Bible in Catholic parish life and priestly formation, official Catholic teaching, and its impact on ecumenism. The fourth and final part of the book takes into account the kinds of questions that have emerged since the document was promulgated.
Many are already familiar with the teachings on Scripture found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but remember, there’s always a call to learn more.
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From The Director
Cackie Upchurch
Here in the U.S., we’re in the middle of football season, and I’ll admit to being a big fan of the sport. I actually understand it, appreciate the skilled positions such as quarterbacks, kickers, running backs, and receivers. I even appreciate what the linemen do in defending the ball and executing offensive plays, and how much effort it takes for defensive linemen and tackles to “read” the movement on the other side of the ball so they’re prepared to make tackles or unravel a big play.
Now, what has this to do with Bible study? Well, I’ve been thinking of how important it is that our parish Bible study efforts take full advantage of a well-trained team. We need dedicated parish coordinators, skilled facilitators for small groups,and loyal team members who help with publicity, assigning groups, bringing refreshments, and offering a hearty welcome to newcomers.
And most importantly we need those people on the front lines of life who bring their lived experiences of faith and work and family along with their desire to grow as disciples.
When we dedicate ourselves to prayerful study of the Bible, we’re not playing a game or plotting how to achieve victory, but along the way we are learning what all good experiences of sport can teach—the value of teamwork and the necessity of dedication.
If you need help getting your parish in shape for Bible study, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone (501-664-6102 or 800-858-5434) or by e-mail (lrss@dolr.org).
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